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Fake Triathlete

I have never taken an ice bath
I don't own any real tri clothing
I don't even own bike shorts
I still use regular pedals with my running sneakers
I let the snooze button win more often than not
I've never puked while training
I've never blown a snot rocket
I've never "bonked"


I don't feel like a real triathlete yet.  I feel like an intruder, an invader among actual triathletes.  Like I don't quite belong in this world yet.  I want to be here, but I haven't quite earned my place yet. 

I really want to sign up for Rev3 Quassy, and just go for it.  I don't really have the money, and haven't been training for an Olympic distance triathlon to be the first tri of the season.  But, if I were a real triathlete, wouldn't I figure out a way to make it happen?  To be at the starting line, and to cross the finish line?

I'm trying to find my "why".
Why do I want to continue competing in this world I don't belong?  My friend yesterday told me I deserved the bike I was drooling over while trying on the bike shoes.  He told me that I deserve to put it on lay-a-way.   That triathlon has become more than just a hobby for me, it's become a passion.  He's right.  I love the feeling of crossing the finish line.  And I don't plan on ever winning a race, or even my age group.  For me finishing is winning.  I can't wait for the first race of the season.  I also can't believe how quickly that first race is coming up.
So for now, my "why" is going to be the Sprint that I'm signed up for the week after Quassy.  I wish my why was Quassy.  Maybe next year, if I'm a "real" triathlete.
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kristin said…
you swim...you bike...you run. you are a "real" triathlete. stop comparing and be proud of what you have accomplished. you are an amazing individual. allow yourself to be less than perfect and just enjoy the journey. btw, some triathletes would find a way to make rev3 happen but the smarter course is to do the race you have been training for and do an olympic when you have trained for that. love you girl...you're gonna be just fine.
March 28, 2011 at 12:47 AM
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